Moon Craving by Lucy Monroe

Title: Moon Craving

Author: Lucy Monroe

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

Ebook ISBN: 978-0-42523304-7

Release Date: February 2010

Format: Print

Genre: Paranormal/Historical

Length: Novel

Rating:  5 Lyres Recommended Read

Reviewer: GJM

Talorc is the laird of the Sinclair clan he is also the alpha of his pack. He has long since given up on finding his true mate so when the King of Scotland orders him to marry an English woman for the second time he agrees even though he despises the English. What Talorc doesn’t count on is the feelings of possessiveness and protectiveness his new bride brings out in him from the moment he meets her.

Abigail is shocked when she finds out her own mother has arranged a marriage for her to a Scottish Laird. She’s more than a little terrified of what will happen to her should he find out about her deafness before they reach the Scottish highlands. Abigail figures if she can reach the highlands with her new husband when he banishes her for the deceit he will take pity and send her to her sister Emily who is married to a neighboring Scottish Laird instead of returning her to her mother in England.

Moon Craving is the second book in Ms Monroe’s Children of the Moon series this book was eagerly awaited and it was a long wait for fans of this series Moon Awakening the first book in the series was released in February 2007 while Moon craving was released February 2010 yes folks three long years. Now your probably asking was it worth such a long wait and in my humble opinion the answer is an overwhelming YES!!! This book was beyond awesome.

The characters came to life from page one and I found it impossible to put down I actually read it in one sitting. Talorc and Abigail both have secrets and when those secrets are exposed both are left feeling hurt and betrayed. The secondary characters are also bold and memorable there’s even a sub story between two of the secondary characters. Emily and Lachlan from the first book make a cameo appearance.

As I have stated this is the second book in the series and while it could be read alone the reader will only benefit from reading them in order. Kudos’s to Ms Monroe she really made the wait well worthwhile.  If you are looking for a mix of historical and paranormal look no further this series has it all. I only hope we don’t have to wait 3 years for the third book

Roughneck by Request by Isabelle Drake

Title: Roughneck By Request

Author: Isabelle Drake

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Ebook ISBN: 9781419926365

Release Date: January 2009

Format: Ebook

Genre: Exotika

Length: Short Story

Rating: 4 Lyres

Reviewer: GJM

Sadie Walker has a problem she can’t enjoy the type of sex she really wants as in her mind if she does she’ll become a tramp like her mother was considered in the small town where she grew up. So she goes to By Request and asks them to provide her ideal sexual fantasy.

When Mason is approached by Sandra the owner of By Request to help fulfill a clients fantasy he’s all for it. He has firsthand experience of how much the services of By Request can free you and save you from the never ending cycle of fighting your inner sexual demons.

When Sadie shows up at a ranch for a job interview a job she desperately needs and meets Mason her fantasy begins. She learns that sometimes in order to live your life without feeling inadequate or insecure you need to give in to temptation. Mason for his part is about to show her that giving up control can be the key to a freedom you never knew existed.

A quick read that sucks you in and holds your interest. The characters are easy to like and while there are times when Sadie’s inner demons try to break free Mason proves that he can help Sadie master her fears and help steer her through her sexual rebirth.

Midnight Blue by Ric Wasley

Title: Midnight Blue

Author: Ric Wasley

Publisher: Wild Child Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-936222-10-0

Release Date: December 22, 2009

Format: Ebook

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novel

Rating: 3.5

Reviewer: Katherine Petersen

Michael B. falls for a raven-haired beauty at Woodstock and vows to love her forever. But the 18-year-old doesn’t realize the full commitment of his words and how long forever can be once the girl has turned him into a vampire. He doesn’t have immediate symptoms, so it takes him a couple years to recognize new-found strength and an intolerance to food. In the meantime, he has also gained an extraordinary power with women which he puts to good use on a college campus as the member of a band. He has trouble with faithfulness to his girlfriend, Amber, and is lured into the bed of Raven, the one who turned him when he comes to visit, and Lily, another vampire who appears to have more evil intentions. He wants to be faithful to Amber but can’t seem to manage it.

Michael finds himself a pawn between Lily and Raven, two older vampires representing good and evil. Midnight Blue explores his experiences, reactions and relationships for more than 20 years of his life. While many vampires are ruthless, Michael appears to have kept enough humanity for compassion, and it is this characteristic both sides covet. But what will the winning side do with this trait once it’s won…

Midnight Blue is the first in a new series from Ric Wasley, but unfortunately this novel isn’t up to the standards of his previous work like Scrimshaw. The book has a long and slow introduction before much happens. For patient readers, the tale has some terrific scenes, especially flashbacks to previous times in history that illustrate the age and power of the older vampires in the tale. Vampires in Midnight Blue have some different characteristics than in other books. For example, usually it’s the older ones who can handle sunlight, but in Wasley’s novel, it’s the younger ones. This story combines action and romance and moves at a good clip once things get started. Wasley has created characters with potential and hopefully, we will learn more about what makes them tick in future novels. I wanted Michael to succeed, but I wasn’t drawn to him as I am to some male characters like Sawyer in the Phoenix Chronicles or Bruiser in the Jane Yellowrock novels. That said, Wasley has talent as seen in other work, and I will definitely explore the second novel in this series.

Darknest by Leanna Renee Hieber

Title: Darknest

Author: Leanna Renee Hieber

Publisher: Cresent Moon Publishing

Length: Novella

Genre: Scifi/Fantasy

Rating:  4

Reviewer: Dianne Pearson

For Chief Counsel Ariadne Corinth, the news of her former lover’s death is a sort of death itself. As she struggles to adjust to the loss of his life, a conspiracy that threatens the survival of his people comes to light. Can she avoid the suspicions of her own people long enough to save his?

In general, I’m reluctant to read small press published science fiction. It’s hard finding a plausible (even for sci-fi!) storyline, characters that aren’t direct Star Trek or Star Wars rip-offs, or situations that aren’t straight out of b-movie soft-porn or incomprehensible cyberpunk plots (By the way, if you have any good small press sci-fi, or know anyone that does, feel free to send/suggest they send the story/stories to ritesofromance@gmail.com).

That being said, I will say I was pleasantly surprised by Darknest. I enjoyed reading the story, and afterwards, it stuck with me. It reminded me why I love science fiction. The world-building, characters, and writing were done very well. Darknest is very easy to get caught up in. The emotions felt by the characters  comes across as believable and sincere.

The only suggestion I can offer is perhaps an explanation on why the ships are called ‘Darknest’ and ‘Lightnest’, other than the obvious physical differences.

Queen of Hearts by Phyllis Campbell

Title: Queen of Hearts

Author: Phyllis Campbell

Publisher: BookStrand

Length: novel

Genre: historical romance

Rating: 3

Review: Ash Arceneaux

Cecelia Ashby keeps her secrets very well. She hides her true identity and works as the town doctor. One night, a stabbing victim is rushed into her office. She tends him, not knowing who he really is—the former owner of her family’s plantation, James Laurence. As the sheriff hunts for the supposed suspect—Cecelia’s brother Hank—James decides to woo Cecelia in an attempt to gain the plantation.

Queen of Hearts is a well-written, if slightly unoriginal, story. I can’t find any fault with the writing, the style, the voice. There are a couple instances of stiff dialogue. The editing is great.

Overall, it’s not a bad book. I wish the plot was little more inventive, and that the characters did more to really get to know enough about the other than their physical attributes before they started vowing true love. They couldn’t be near one another without a ‘staff jerking’ or ‘loins flaring to life’.  I felt that James’s character turned on a dime. He started as a horny, hard-ass and without too much introspection, he was a lust=love, horny Mr. Romance.

It’s not a bad read. If you like historical romance and have an empty slot on your e-reader, give Queen of Hearts a try.

Blade Dancer by K.M. Tolan

Title: Blade Dancer

Author: K. M. Tolan

Publisher: Champagne Books

ISBN: 978-1-897445-06-8

Release Date: February 2008

Format: Ebook

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novel

Rating: 5

Reviewer: Katherine Petersen

While her people considered their recent battle against a “servant race” victorious, Mikial felt she acquitted herself poorly. Her mentor died to save her, and she’d hid as the enemies withdrew. The fact that the servant race had far more powerful weapons than her people had ever seen didn’t console her. She saw a chance to salvage her self-esteem by piloting an air vehicle, created from forbidden technology, to determine if more enemies threatened their borders. Rather than receiving accolades for her initiative, Mikial is exiled to a far-flung outpost to serve as a scout.

But Mikial continually struggles between what she believes is right and her dictated duty and strikes out on an adventure that will not only shatter many of her people’s teachings but also show her that there are many gray areas between black and white. She will make both unlikely friends and enemies, test long-standing friendships, find love and develop an inner strength that would never have been possible without her experiences.

K.M. Tolan delivers a terrific fantasy tale in Blade Dancer. He has a keen talent for both world-building and complex character development, so readers often see multiple facets of situations. He touches on the broad themes of prejudice, change and the reasons for war. Will societies repeat actions of their predecessors or do something different based on past consequences?

Blade Dancer is also a coming-of-age story as Mikial makes up her own mind, is rejected by many, experiences love for the first time and must discern whom she can trust. Tolan has written a complex plot rife with danger, violence, heartbreak and love. With vivid descriptions and a brilliant imagination, Tolan will mesmerize readers with this story and leave them begging for more. Luckily, more is on the way with Rogue Dancer due out soon.

Vicious Circle by Linda Robertson

Title: Vicious Circle

Author: Linda Robertson

Publisher: Juno Books

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-4391-5428-1

Release Date: July 2009

Format: Print

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel

Rating: Recommended Read

Reviewer: GJM

Persephone Alcmedi is a witch. When her friend Lorrie is murdered and leaves behind a young daughter, Persephone is manipulated by Vivian, the high priestess of the local coven, into taking a contract to kill the killer. Little does Persephone know that she’s being set up to go up against Goliath Kline, who just happens to be a powerful vampire. As if that’s not enough, master vampire Menessos becomes involved when Persephone finds herself in possession of his property, property he wants back at any cost.

When Persephone asks one of local werewolves who kennels in her basement during the full moon to do a background check on Goliath, it leads to Thea being critically injured when Goliath takes exception to someone poking their nose in his business. When the hospital won’t treat her because she’s a werewolf Persephone takes her home to look after her. Some of the local werewolves decided to stay at the house to help out. So now Persephone has a house full of werewolves– one who has a major crush on her, Lorrie’s young daughter Beverly who has been abandoned by her guardian and dumped on Persephone’s doorstep and her grandmother who has recently moved in with her after the assisted care home turned out to be a bad idea.

Oh and did I mention 2 ticked off vampires that turn up with their minions to cause havoc?

This book has it all it’s a paranormal readers wet dream: witches, werewolves, vampires and minions. Written with a witty style that will have you laughing in places—it’s a real page turner. Ms Robertson has obviously spent a lot of time on research and it shows. This is without a doubt one of the best paranormal books I’ve read in a while.  Refreshing and very witty, Ms Robertson earns a place on my must buy list.

Who Mourns for the Hangman by S.A. Bolich

Title: Who Mourns for the Hangman?

Author: S.A. Bolich

Publisher: Damnation Books

Available Sept. 1 ‘09

Rating 5– RECOMMENDED READ

Reviewer: ASH

Scraggy hangs the dead, with his supernaturally-touched noose helping him judge who deserves to die at his hand. When the rope glows more fervently than it ever has before, Scraggy knows his next appointment is something different. When he looks into the eyes of his victim, he discovers something he never expected.

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I started reading  this short story. The writing is amazing–instantly captivating, utterly mesmerizing, and one-hundred-percent haunting.

I hardly ever give Recommended Reads. This story is one of the most deserving I think I’ve ever given!

Love’s Rescue by Tammy Barley

Title: Love’s  Rescue

Author: Tammy Barley

Publisher: Whitaker House

Genre: Historical Inspirational Romance

Rating: 5

Reviewer: ASH

1863- Jessica Hale’s family flees their Kentucky home and heads for the Nevada territories. When Unionists believe the family to be Conferate sympathizers, a horrible fire is set and kills everyone except for Jessica.  A cattleman ‘kidnaps’ Jessica and whisks her away to his ranch. Even though she tries her best to escape, he catches her every time,  and  mysteries are slowly revealed.

Before you people think I’ve gone completely insane because I’m suddenly reading all these romance novels, you should know I do  enjoy them, totally on an in-the-closet way. Especially well written, original historical inspirational romances. You will still never catch me reading Amish romance, though. Just not my cup of tea…

Love’s Rescue fits the bill for what I like to read. I will openly admit  I’m not a fan of the title (but who am I to talk? I once named a Genesis contest entry ‘Love’s Return!), but I loved the story. The conflict is definitely grittier than most, with nearly an entire family’s  death by fire early in the story, and some pretty deep dealing with emotional trauma  throughout. A lot of authors will gloss over deep feelings of loss and pain so they can pimp the happy-fuzzy-wuzzy-all-obscuring “MESSAGE”, but  Ms. Barley  did a good job of keeping  it real. I can  honestly say the only thing I didn’t care much about was the  few times when Jessica would emotionally curl up in a ball and decide God didn’t care about her. It was slightly cliched and it felt a bit forced.

The romance was  great. It didn’t happen quickly, and it felt  realistic. Although the name ‘Jake’  is about as rare in romantic fiction as  the word ‘love’, I don’t hold it against him, and I liked him. Jessica had a couple of those  TSTL moments, but what chick  who is searching for her parents’ murderer/s while  trying not to fall in love  with a  yummy rugged rancher who offers her everything she wants, doesn’t have those lapses in judgement?

Yes, that last line could have been phrased so much better.

I definitely recommend this book to anybody looking for a great historical inspirational romance novel! I enjoyed it, and will be on the lookout for anything else by Tammy Barley.

Love Thine Enemy by Louise M. Gouge

Title: Love Thine Enemy

Author: Louise M. Gouge

Publisher: Harlequin– Love Inspired Historical

ISBN: 9780373828159

Release Date: July 2009

Format: PB

Genre: Inspirational Historical

Length: Novel

Rating: 4

During the American Revolution, Rachel Folger’s loyalties lie with the Boston patriots fighting for freedom from the Crown.  When a British plantation owner arrives in town, one who is loyal to the Crown, Rachel can’t deny her attaction—or her hesitance to get involved with a man who is against everything she believes in. When treacherous events come between the pair, Rachel and Frederick Moberly must uncover the traitor—to both their causes—and learn the rely on the love of God to show them true liberty.

First of all, I love that this book is set in central Florida. I love reading about my home state’s past, especially in war-time eras…which seems to be most of the time, pre-1900! Anyway, when I heard about this book I got in touch with Ms.  Gouge and begged for a review copy.

When I was a kid, I read a lot of Revolution-set inspirational romances. Must have been a trend in the early/mid 90’s or something! Reading Love Thine Enemy made me feel a little  nostalgic. The novel is well written, with a sincere message and compelling characters. I already know Ms.  Gouge is a great writer who has been blessed with an ability to reach readers through her novels, so I wasn’t disappointed!

I had a teensy bit of a hard time reading the novel, though. I can either blame this on the author or the fact that I’m an idiot and I tend to read a little too quickly. Now, this in no way  made like the book any less. At first I got the male characters confused. In fact, I had to look for whichever one was romantically attracted to  Rachel to figure out who the hero was at first.  Yes, I’m an idiot, so I’m going to take the fault  on this one…

Granted I’m used to reading ‘praire’ romances where the prose and dialogue is much more casual, so sometimes it was hard to clearly grasp what Ms. Gouge’s characters thought or said  or what was going on.  The book is written in a very formal  voice, so it definitely helps if the reader expects it. It’s a minor source of amusement to me how after reading so, so, so  very much ‘modern’  fiction and late-era historicals how drastic the  difference is in style from books set in early-era times, like Regency, Revolutionary, and even some Civil War periods! I give props to any author who successfully masters the ‘voice’ of those eras  in fiction writing!

So go ahead, if you enjoy reading historical romance set in a less-than-ordinary time! There seriously aren’t enough books set in early Florida. (Shameless plug– check out my book, Restoring Water, set in late 1800’s central FL, www.enterthemusehouse.net, available in print and ebook!).

Title: Love Thine Enemy

Author: Louise M. Gouge

Publisher: Harlequin– Love Inspired Historical

ISBN: 9780373828159

Release Date: July 2009

Format: PB

Genre: Inspirational Historical

Length: Novel

Rating: 4

Reviewer: ASH

During the American Revolution, Rachel Folger’s loyalties lie with the Boston patriots fighting for freedom from the Crown.  When a British plantation owner arrives in town, one who is loyal to the Crown, Rachel can’t deny her attaction—or her hesitance to get involved with a man who is against everything she believes in. When treacherous events come between the pair, Rachel and Frederick Moberly must uncover the traitor—to both their causes—and learn the rely on the love of God to show them true liberty.

First of all, I love that this book is set in central Florida. I love reading about my home state’s past, especially in war-time eras…which seems to be most of the time, pre-1900! Anyway, when I heard about this book I got in touch with Ms.  Gouge and begged for a review copy.

When I was a kid, I read a lot of Revolution-set inspirational romances. Must have been a trend in the early/mid 90’s or something! Reading Love Thine Enemy made me feel a little  nostalgic. The novel is well written, with a sincere message and compelling characters. I already know Ms.  Gouge is a great writer who has been blessed with an ability to reach readers through her novels, so I wasn’t disappointed!

I had a teensy bit of a hard time reading the novel, though. I can either blame this on the author or the fact that I’m an idiot and I tend to read a little too quickly. Now, this in no way  made like the book any less. At first I got the male characters confused. In fact, I had to look for whichever one was romantically attracted to  Rachel to figure out who the hero was at first.  Yes, I’m an idiot, so I’m going to take the fault  on this one…

Granted I’m used to reading ‘praire’ romances where the prose and dialogue is much more casual, so sometimes it was hard to clearly grasp what Ms. Gouge’s characters thought or said  or what was going on.  The book is written in a very formal  voice, so it definitely helps if the reader expects it. It’s a minor source of amusement to me how after reading so, so, so  very much ‘modern’  fiction and late-era historicals how drastic the  difference is in style from books set in early-era times, like Regency, Revolutionary, and even some Civil War periods! I give props to any author who successfully masters the ‘voice’ of those eras  in fiction writing!

So go ahead, if you enjoy reading historical romance set in a less-than-ordinary time! There seriously aren’t enough books set in early Florida. (Shameless plug– check out my book, Restoring Water, set in late 1800’s central FL, www.enterthemusehouse.net, available in print and ebook!).